Pete Pace

It was announced on June 8, 2007, that Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates would not renominate Pace for another term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, "avoiding a contentious debate with the Democratic-led Congress over unpopular Iraq war." Gates "paid tribute to Pace but said after consulting with Republican and Democratic Senators, he had come to believe that Pace would face a bruising reconfirmation hearing." [1]

Gates is "recommending Adm. Mike Mullen, currently chief of naval operations, to take Pace's job." [2]

When appointed as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by President George W. Bush on October 15, 2001, Pace replaced General Myers, who then became the 15th Chairman of the JCS. Pace became "the first Marine to hold the vice chairmanship, the second-highest uniformed position in the Defense Department." [3]